Acting Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

I genuinely enjoy the dynamic nature of a boys’ school and all it entails. There are moments that capture the strength of a school like Terrace. On Friday one of these moments occurred - three Year 5 students caught my eye at lunchtime cheering practice. It felt like life couldn’t have been better for those three standing with their arms around each other cheering. 

Saturday’s co-curricular fixtures against Nudgee College were a real celebration of our wider Edmund Rice community. We have many strong connections with both the staff and families at Nudgee. Throughout the day, whether it be at the Basketball or Rugby, you would have seen many fiercely competitive contests unfold but, to the keen eye, you will also have seen this balanced with an acknowledgement of respect between players both during and after the game. I felt the boys were well presented and cheered enthusiastically throughout the afternoon. My thanks for your support with this and hopefully you can look forward to a couple of quieter weekends on the Terrace front throughout the middle of the semester. 

I am enjoying reading Cracking the Boy Code by Adam Cox at the moment. It unpacks in simple language the intricacies of communicating with boys. I make this comment frequently, but my time in boys' schools tells me they are all ‘wired differently’. As a teacher wanting to be a person of influence for your son, it can take time to develop a positive relationship. One theme that we focus on when developing a positive rapport with boys is understanding that boys will often treat you the way you treat them. Adam Cox reinforces this by suggesting that: It is the form of the conversation that resonates deeply for boys, and which they remember for hours and days after the conversation. Rule #1 is:  Your tone is ‘louder’ than your words. How you say things lingers longer than what you say. It is an excellent starting point when trying to penetrate that outer shell! Enjoy. 

Last week, I raised the issue of students arriving late for school. We have noticed an improvement this week. House Deans will follow up with students who are repeat offenders this week. Finally, School TV this month focuses on positive parenting. Professor Matt Sanders, Georgia Manning and Michael Carr-Gregg deliver a series of 2-5 minute presentations on the significance of a close relationship with a supportive adult. It can be found here.